Tonbridge Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Tonbridge

Tonbridge, a Built-Up Area within Tonbridge and Malling, reports an overall crime rate of 76.8 per 1,000 people per year. This figure positions Tonbridge as safer than the UK national average of 93.4 per 1,000. The area achieves a solid safety score of 83 out of 100, surpassing the UK average safety score of 78. In terms of recent trends, Tonbridge has experienced a stable period, with a year-over-year decrease of 4.3% in its crime rate. This data provides a foundational understanding of the local crime landscape, setting the stage for a more detailed look into specific crime categories and patterns.

Crime Type Analysis

In Tonbridge, the most frequently reported crime category is 'Violence and sexual offences', accounting for 35.7% of all crimes, at a rate of 27.4 per 1,000 residents. Following this, 'Anti-social behaviour' represents 14.8% (11.4 per 1,000), and 'Shoplifting' stands as the third most common at 13.4% (10.3 per 1,000). The property-related crime rate in Tonbridge is 28.1 per 1,000 people, which is below the national average of 33.2 per 1,000. This includes significant contributions from shoplifting, criminal damage and arson (7.1 per 1,000), other theft (4.3 per 1,000), vehicle crime (3.2 per 1,000), burglary (1.5 per 1,000), bicycle theft (0.7 per 1,000), robbery (0.6 per 1,000), and theft from the person (0.5 per 1,000). For residents and homeowners, the prevalence of shoplifting highlights the commercial activity within Tonbridge, while the overall property crime rate suggests a moderate risk that still warrants vigilance, particularly concerning vehicle security and home protection.

Crime Trends in Tonbridge

Tonbridge has demonstrated a stable crime trend over the last year, with a decrease of 4.3% in its year-over-year crime rate. This indicates a consistent effort in maintaining public safety within the Built-Up Area. A review of the monthly crime rates per 1,000 people reveals a fluctuating but generally contained pattern. Rates ranged from a low of 5.4 in February 2025 to a high of 7.2 in May 2025. Other months, such as October 2024 and March 2025, also saw rates around 7.1, while December 2024 and August 2025 were among the lower months at 5.9. These variations suggest some seasonal or event-driven influences on crime, but the overall trajectory remains stable. For residents, this trend implies that the local safety environment has not seen a significant shift, offering a degree of predictability in managing personal and property security.

Time Patterns of Crime

Crime in Tonbridge exhibits distinct patterns throughout the 24-hour cycle. During the morning (6am-12pm), theft accounts for 42% of crimes, alongside 15% vehicle crime and 6% burglary. This period often aligns with increased commuter activity and commercial openings. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees a peak in theft, reaching 47%, with burglary rising to 10% and vehicle crime at 6%. This reflects busy retail hours and residential properties being unattended. As the evening progresses (6pm-12am), 'other' crime types become dominant at 60%, with theft dropping to 18% and vehicle crime at 14%. This shift often corresponds with socialising and nightlife. Finally, night-time (12am-6am) is characterised by a significant spike in vehicle crime (38%) and burglary (11%), indicating opportunistic offences when areas are quietest and properties are most vulnerable.

Comparison with Nearby Areas

Comparing Tonbridge's crime rate of 76.8 per 1,000 people provides valuable local context. Tonbridge, being a more urbanised Built-Up Area, typically exhibits a higher crime rate than smaller, more rural neighbouring settlements. For instance, areas like Hildenborough or Bidborough, being more suburban or rural in nature, often present lower crime figures. Southborough, while also urban, might show similar patterns depending on its specific characteristics. Pittswood, a smaller locality, would also likely have a lower overall crime rate. This comparison helps residents understand that while Tonbridge is safer than the national average, its urban characteristics contribute to a crime profile that differs from its less densely populated neighbours, providing a useful benchmark for regional safety considerations.

Protecting Your Home and Property

With a property crime rate of 28.1 per 1,000 people, safeguarding your home in Tonbridge is a key consideration. It's essential to prioritise proactive crime prevention rather than simply recording incidents after they occur. Many traditional security solutions, like standard CCTV cameras, provide footage of a burglary but do not actively stop it. Similarly, DIY alarm systems often alert you after an intrusion, meaning the crime is already in progress.

For superior protection, consider an AI-powered home security operating system such as scOS. This innovative system is designed to prevent crime by detecting threats at your property boundary, acting before a break-in can even happen. scOS employs multi-camera intelligence to monitor your entire property simultaneously, ensuring no blind spots. Features like DVLA vehicle verification can identify suspicious vehicles instantly, while its pattern learning capabilities discern between legitimate activity and genuine threats, reducing false alarms. With autonomous responses, including activating lights and engaging speakers, scOS creates an immediate deterrent, destroying the element of surprise that burglars rely on. This professional-grade security makes your property a less appealing target, intervening within the critical 60-second window when most burglars decide whether to proceed.